The Foundation was created by virtue of Section 70 of the Police (NI) Act 2000 for the purpose of marking the sacrifices and honouring the achievements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. It commenced work in December 2001. The functions of the Foundation allow it to look back on a long, proud history of policing and to look forward by supporting current serving officers. In particular, it will remember sacrifice and service and preserve the name of the RUC GC in the policing world